In the News

Taiwan bubble tea to go on sale at German McCafes

• Publication Date：06/07/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Kwangyin Liu

The signature street drink of Taiwan, bubble tea, will be added to the menu of 800 McCafes in Germany starting June 11, according to the McDonald’s website.

With two sizes, three types of tea, seven flavors of syrup and six flavors of tapioca balls or jelly cubes, there are 250 different combinations possible, sources said. The tea options include black, green or white tea—all with or without milk—that can be mixed with lemon, vanilla, peach, passion fruit or mango syrup.

Sources at McDonald’s said the drink will be priced at 1.99 euros (US$2.50). In Taiwan, a cup of bubble tea typically sells at US$1.

BoboQ, a Berlin-headquartered bubble tea chain with owners from Taiwan said it expected the McDonald’s move to serve as free advertising. “Those who want the authentic drink will come to our shops,” its spokesman said.

Originating in southern Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea, or pearl milk tea, is known for its wide range of flavors and the distinct texture of the chewy tapioca balls. The nation has over 50,000 bubble tea shops, serving up to 180 million cups annually.

As the popularity of the treat traveled with Taiwanese immigrants, bubble tea shops can now be spotted in over 30 countries, including Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, the U.K. and U.S. (THN)

Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@gmail.com